Broadcasting
Young African Team Wins PMI’s First-Ever Make Reality Challenge
Four Rwandan students enrolled at the African Leadership University beat tough competition from 10,000 other Rising Leaders to emerge winners at the first ever global Make Reality Challenge hosted by the non-profit professional association, Project Management Institute (PMI). The contestants had to bring creative and strategic solutions to life using no-code/low-code tools while making a social impact.
Citizen development is on pace to be the most disruptive agent of change in a generation. Gartner predicts that by 2023, citizen developers will be four times as prevalent as professional developers. By using no-code/low-code platforms in the Make Reality Challenge, Rising Leaders developed solutions to help address some of the world’s most pressing issues more quickly and efficiently.
The competition was open to college and university students between 18-24. Nearly 5,900 Make Reality Challenge teams across 65 countries were tasked with identifying a problem and developing a solution related to one of the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in support of this year’s theme “Disruption for Social Impact.”
The United Nations adopted the SDGs in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Competing as Tech Era, Ms Tuyishime Josiane, Ms Nar Lo Dia, Ms Mukantwari Francoise and Mr Chukwuma Paul, ideated and developed UbuzimaPrivacy, an innovative platform that will help hospitals record patient data online (including testing, results, prescriptions, and illness trajectory).
Studies show that electronic medical records significantly reduce medication errors that can lead to death or pose a serious health risk to patients. In Rwanda, just one such platform called IvuliroTech, created by Karisimbi Technical Solutions, helps hospitals record patient data online and serves only 12 hospitals.
As required by the competition rules, the solution addressed SDG3, Good Health & Well Being.
Speaking of the win, Chukwuma Paul of Team Tech Era said, “”Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A three-strand rope is not quickly broken. A four-legged hyperstatic system table is stronger than an isostatic system.”
Tech Era won $10,000 and an opportunity to participate in an interactive Q&A session at the PMI’s Virtual Experience Series 2022: PMXPO, on March 24, 2022. PMXPO is a free, interactive event for the project management profession to learn from key players in the industry, network, earn PDUs and gain valuable knowledge.
“At PMI, we believe in the power of Rising Leaders,” said Ashwini Bakshi, Managing Director Europe & Sub-Saharan Africa, Project Management Institute.
“By empowering and enabling them to drive social change through initiatives like the Make Reality Challenge, we’re providing the young innovative thinkers an opportunity to build useful solutions to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. It’s exciting to see four young students from Africa win and it speaks to the potential of other Rising Leaders in the region. UbuzimaPrivacy will not only benefit Rwanda but Africa as a whole.”
The second place was clinched by Team EmEducation from the Emlyon Business School in France, while the third place went to Sport Sharks from the University of Mumbai and the Institute of Chemical Technology in India. A number of regional prizes were also awarded to teams from around the world.
The top three global winners took home a collective $22,000 in cash prizes. The total prize money was nearly USD40,000.
Advancing teams used no-code/low-code tools and citizen developer technology to make their solution a reality. Throughout the three phases of the competition, teams were judged on various components including user functionality, presentation, impact and scalability, ideation, and Q&A. Judging was conducted by senior staff at PMI, PMI Board past-chair Tony Appleby, PMIEF Board past-chair Ram Dokka, members of the Academic Insight Team and PMI® NextGen Insight Team. Collectively, winning teams were rewarded with nearly $40,000 in cash prizes and PMI networking opportunities.
Broadcasting
Choosing the Right Internet Plan: A Comprehensive Guide for All Users
By Abraham Oluwambe, Chief Operating Officer, LifiNet
In a digital age where the internet plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, selecting the right internet plan is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a student, a home user, an office worker, or part of a corporate entity in Nigeria, making an informed decision about your internet subscription can save you money, boost your productivity, and enhance your online experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect internet plan for your needs.
A. Understanding Your Internet Needs
Before diving into the world of internet plans, it’s crucial to assess your specific requirements. Each user category has its unique demands:
1. Students: Balancing Studies and Entertainment
As a student, you need reliable connectivity for online classes, research, and entertainment. Look for plans that offer high data allowances, unlimited night-time browsing, and access to educational resources.
2. Individual Home Users: Seamless Streaming and Browsing
For the family at home, prioritize plans that support multiple devices simultaneously, offer high-speed connections, and provide unlimited streaming for movies and gaming.
3. Office Users: Reliability and Efficiency
Office users require stable connections for video conferencing, file sharing, and remote work. Consider business-grade plans with strong customer support, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and backup options.
4. Corporate Users: Scalability and Security
Corporations demand scalable solutions with dedicated bandwidth, advanced security features, and robust infrastructure. Assess options like dedicated leased lines or VPNs to meet your corporate needs.
B. Factors to Consider When Choosing an Internet Plan
1. Internet Type: Understand the available internet technologies in Nigeria, including DSL, cable, fiber-optic, satellite, and 4G/5G. Different areas may have different options, so check what’s accessible in your location.
2. Speed: Your internet speed should match your usage patterns. Students and home users can opt for plans with moderate speeds, while office and corporate users may need faster connections.
3. Data Caps: Be aware of data limits and choose a plan with a data cap that suits your monthly usage. Unlimited plans are ideal for heavy users.
4. Reliability: Research the ISP’s reputation for reliability and uptime. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues.
5. Customer Support: Consider the quality of customer support and technical assistance provided by the ISP. Quick and efficient support can save you from prolonged downtime.
6. Cost: Compare pricing across ISPs but keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the value you receive for your money.
7. Contract Terms: Understand the terms of the contract, including contract length, early termination fees, and any hidden charges.
8. Value-Added Services: Some ISPs offer additional services like free Wi-Fi router rental, antivirus software, or content streaming bundles. These can be beneficial extras.
C. Making Your Decision
Once you’ve assessed your needs and considered these factors, it’s time to make an informed decision. Reach out to ISPs in your area, ask questions, and seek recommendations from others in your category. Remember, the right internet plan can transform your online experience, making it faster, more reliable, and tailored to your unique requirements.
In conclusion, choosing the right internet plan in Nigeria is a crucial decision that impacts your daily life, work, and entertainment. By understanding your needs and the factors that matter most to you, you can select a plan that not only suits your budget but also enhances your online experience, no matter if you’re a student, home user, office worker, or part of a corporate entity.
Broadcasting
Idachaba, Ex-NBC Boss Calls for Measures to Tackle Cyber-Bullying, Sexting
Professor Armstrong Idachaba, former director-general of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has proposed regulatory measures to address cyberbullying, trolling, sexting and online pornography.
Adachaba, who is a Professor of Mass Communication at Veritas University, Abuja, stated this when he presented a paper on ‘Media Utilisation in the Era of Media Convergence – Fear and Opportunities,’ recently in Abuja, regretting that people use social media to foment trouble instead of advancing friendship and meaningful connection.
“The biggest threat of social media is in the area of the content it spurns out, the use of the social media seems to be a double-edged sword, bringing good and providing fears. Cyberbulling, trolling, sexting, internet addictions, cybercrime, online pornography, fake news, hate speech, rumour mongering, negative imitations and violence, etc.
“Before Facebook started enforcing its community rules on violence, many of us recount with trepidation the horrific violence that happened at New Zealand when a youth connected his camera to his facebook account and streamed live the rather animalistic killing of human beings at a mosque,” he said.
He, therefore, said regulatory agencies should look into “the following guidelines, towards the following – Protection of freedom of expression, Prohibition of outlawed practices and domestication of community guidelines to recognize specific outlawed practices, like indecent dressing.
“Hate speech and incitement to violence promote ethical use of social media, to check misinformation and disinformation need for fact checking, transparency and accountability, data privacy and security user verification and accountability, content moderation.
“Ensure fair and transparent algorithms promote on line safety for students and staff, collaboration with govt and civil society, support culture and local content.
“There should be digital literacy and education, emergency response protocols, collaboration with social media platforms, protection of vulnerable population, conventional processes and rules for adaptation have been jettisoned.
“Makers of mediated content, producers and makers of technology, mediated product consumers and indeed those who formulate media policies must seek continued adaptive means for the maximisation of converged media.”
According to him, “here at Veritas University, social media usage has been sometime very effective, socialising, informative, enlightening and educating. Unfortunately, it is also sometime very contentious and controversial.”
Broadcasting
NANS Condemns New Multichoice Subscription Rate
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed has condemned the recent price increment by Multichoice Nigeria Limited, Pay-TV operator, across its DStv and GOtv packages.
The student body urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to address the issue expeditiously, saying that it will stands firmly against the unjustifiable price hike, especially given the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
Comrade Gundu Mimidoo Joy, spokesperson, NAN in a press statement Thursday, said that it is deplorable to witness such a significant increase in subscription fees in a time when many are already struggling to make ends meet.
“The rationale provided by Multichoice Nigeria Limited attributing the price increases to a “rise in the cost of business operations” in Nigeria is not acceptable. The impact of this price hike will undoubtedly burden the citizens further, exacerbating the financial strain already being experienced.
“It is imperative that the Federal Government and the National Assembly intervene to regulate such exorbitant price increments. The interests and welfare of Nigerian citizens must be safeguarded, and the authorities must ensure that companies operate with fairness and consideration towards their consumers,” she said.
NANS also emphasised that the Federal Government and the National Assembly must raise their voices against this injustice and take necessary steps to address this situation promptly. An urgent dialogue must be initiated to protect the interests of the Nigerian populace and prevent further exploitation.
“We call upon all stakeholders to collaborate in finding a sustainable solution that benefits the consumers and ensures equitable access to essential services such as pay-TV. It is vital that regulations are put in place to prevent arbitrary price hikes that disproportionately affect the average Nigerian.
“This unwarranted increase in subscription fees by Multichoice is a matter of grave concern as the Nigerian masses are already over burdened with inflation, NANS urges all relevant authorities to address this issue with the seriousness it deserves.
“We wish to state that failure by DSTV to revert to Status quo with the next 7 working days shall be met with a mass action to the Multi choice Headquarters in Abuja and Lagos,” the statement added.
- Broadcasting2 days ago
Idachaba, Ex-NBC Boss Calls for Measures to Tackle Cyber-Bullying, Sexting
- E-Business2 days ago
Musk Makes Terrifying AI Prediction, Warns Parent about Dangers to Children
- Telecom2 days ago
Google Announces Umoja, First Ever Fiber Optic Cable Connecting Africa to Australia
- E-Business2 days ago
Konga Tech Month Empowers Nigerians with Unprecedented Deals
- Broadcasting2 days ago
NANS Condemns New Multichoice Subscription Rate
- Telecom2 days ago
Lagos to Lay Additional 3,300km Unified Fibre Ducts
- Telecom2 days ago
NASENI Invests in Powerstove to Boost Production, Carbon Credit Initiatives
- E-Financial2 days ago
Mastercard and Payment24 Collaborate to Boost EMV Adoption in EEMEA’s fleet sector